Teens arrested after girl attacked in city centre

Three teenagers have been arrested after a girl was attacked by a group in what police are treating as a hate crime.

Avon and Somerset Police is investigating after the victim, in her mid teens, was attacked in Bristol's Cabot Circus at around 19:45 GMT on Wednesday.

The BBC understands police are investigating a possible link to online media posts encouraging violence between school pupils.

Neighbourhood Ch Insp Keith Smith described the arrests as a "positive step forward" amid the incident causing "concern" in the community.

Police said a 14-year-old girl had been arrested on suspicion of racially aggravated fear of violence, affray, and grievous bodily harm with intent, a 13-year-old girl had been arrested on suspicion of affray and attempted grievous bodily harm and a 13-year-old boy had been arrested on suspicion of affray.

"We are treating this matter with the utmost seriousness and are working closely with schools and relevant partners, including Bristol City Council, and we urge anyone with information about the identity of those involved to come forward and assist our enquiries," Smith added.

The victim was taken to hospital with non life-threatening injuries after the incident in Philadelphia Street, with police saying she had been left "understandably distressed" by what had happened.

Schools across the city have sent letters to parents informing them of the Cabot Circus incident and reiterating any "potential risks" to safety will be responded to "promptly and appropriately".

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